Kihuri forest straddles at Othaya Nyeri, about 125km north of Nairobi. Kihuri is among Hiking trails in Nyeri. Other hiking trails in Nyeri apart from Kihuri Trekking Trail include; Gatangu Hiking Trail, Gura riverine Trek Hike and Njigari forest bathing Hike. Kihuri is part of the southern Aberdare National Park block. The hiking track commences at the Othaya treatment plant, also known as the Kihuri water treatment plant.
The forest covers about 4,894 acres. Kihuri Forest has several bodies that manage it. They include; Scout forest guard, community forest association, Kenya Forest Services, and Kenya Wildlife Service.
The forest is an integral part of the water cycle. Kihuri, Zuti, and Njigari forests make up a larger Aberdares Southern block that includes Gura Forest in its midst; all five form crucial “water towers” for Kenya’s population needs– Mt Elgon Mau Complex with its abundant rainfall supplies much-needed drinking water. At the same time, Cherangani Hills helps collect resources around Nakuru.
ATTRACTIONS AT KIHURI FOREST
Wildlife of Kihuri Forest
Kihuri forest is home to wildlife species: Elephants, Buffalo, Hyenas, etc. It is ideal for avid tourists, ornithology persons, or generally birds’ lovers. Coming to contact with an elephant would not be a surprise. However, there are always two rangers to ensure the safety of tourists. The rangers’ reaction depends on the elephants’ actions. Over 150 species of birds call kihuri forest home. Some bird species include Laughing Dove, Golden Weaver, Common Starling, Pin-tailed Whydah.
Kihuri hikes are suitable for any age, children and the elderly included. A day hike would take about 16-18 km. With beautiful rivers, including the Golden Gura River, tourists can enjoy a jungle swim known as ‘Duff Mpararo.’
The forest also has very beautiful primary and also secondary plantations as a result of planting back the cut down primary trees.
Weather Seasons in Kihuri Forest
The terrain of kihuri depends on the weather at the time of visit. Therefore, it’s essential to know the seasons of the area. Jan, Feb, and half of March are considered dry with occasional rain. April, May, and part of June, there are lots of rain with just less than 5hrs break in a day. The other part of June, July, and part of August intense mist and extreme cold. September, the rains start to December. However, in November and December, the rain showers are pretty heavy.
COST PER PERSON
Kenya Citizens kes 3500
Kenya Residents kes 4250
Non-residents 60$
INCLUSIVES
- Entrance fee
- Guide fee
- Photography
- Facilitation
EXCLUSIVES
- Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions
What to carry For Kihuri Forest Hike
The weather can be unpredictable at some point, so it’s advisable to carry all the essentials for Hiking.
INCLUSIVES
- Entrance fee
- Guide fee
- Photography
- Facilitation
EXCLUSIVES of Kihuri Forest Hike
- Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions
What To Carry For Kihuri Forest River Line Trek
The weather can be unpredictable at some point, so it’s advisable to carry all the essentials for Hiking. They include:
- Comfortable hiking shoes with an excellent Grip. Shop Here
- Hiking Cargo pants or Fleece
- Hiking Synthetic or Polyester Top/T-shirt
- Binoculars if you are keen on Birdlife
- Drinking water (Not less than 2 Liters)
- Sunscreen lotion
- Heavy snack or packed Lunch
- Energy Bars for a quick bite
- Hard Shell rain Jacket and a Poncho
- Accessories: Sunglasses, Sunhat
- Equipment; Trekking Pole, Hiking Backpack,
- Camelback to carry water
- Safety Essentials: a headlamp or Hand Portable Spotlight, Lighter matchbox or usual matchbox and whistle
CONCLUSION
The forest has some challenges and others faced by people around it. They include;
Poaching
The forest is under 24 hours clock surveillance. However, poachers still manage to sneak in and kill elephants for their tasks. Most conservation areas hosting wildlife are experiencing. It is a menace that the necessary bodies fight to reduce, if not eradicate. Arresting lawbreakers ensure they serve as an example to all poachers and future poachers.
Illegal Logging in Kihuri Forest
The kihuri forest has some of the best indigenous trees for wood. The timber industry generates money, which is tempting for some loggers to cut down trees without permission from the government or owners of that land. Illegally cutting down trees is not only dangerous but also illegal. The government protects our forests by implementing a sustainable conservation policy. The policy dictates loggers buy trees for damaged areas and plant new ones. In addition, if they don’t meet the rules with the consequences of serving a jail term.
Conflicts of Parastatals
Unfortunately, the parastatals that govern the forest don’t cooperate. As a result, people on the ground, such as tour guides, end up suffering. For instance, 15 guides completed tour guiding training last year. However, currently, only three are left working in the forest. The reason is that they only wait until they have visitors to get paid, and the parastatals don’t agree on who to pay them.
Tour Guides Safety
When pre-visiting an area before tourists come. Guides face the risk of meeting with illegal loggers or poachers that, with no hesitation, beat them up badly.
Community Benefits
When the neighboring communities would receive a monthly allowance, they got only a few months of it. Then this stopped. motivating the communities to offer watch care services to the forest is generally a sustainable conservation effort. Importantly, it develops a sense of ownership.
Livestock Attack by Wild Animals
The neighboring community’s livestock gets attacked and killed by Hyenas, especially at night, and they also endanger the people’s lives.
However, the forest also has some advantages.
– The community benefits from the forest at a lower price. They pay KES100 monthly for the collection of firewood. They also pay another KES 100 Bob monthly to feed their livestock.
Please Note:
The pick-up location & time can change if a private group with a different Pickup location.
Charges can change if the number of participants changes.
Camelback to carry water.
- Safety Essentials: a headlamp or Hand Portable Spotlight, a Lighter matchbox or usual matchbox, and a whistle
- Kihuri Forest Hike Tour is available throughout the year. Also, Check out our weekend getaways to see when this trek is scheduled again.